Identifying and Preventing Elder Abuse
by Diana Steele, Senior Legal Services-From the CA Bar Association and CA Dept. of Justice
A bed-bound senior suffers silently due to
caregiver neglect. A man with dementia
signs his house over to his son who
mortgages it and then leaves the state. An
elderly woman falls victim to a scam and
loses her life savings.
What is Elder Abuse?
Abuse can be financial, physical or
emotional. Abuse occurs at home and in
facilities. It affects seniors of every socioeconomic
status, gender, race, ethnicity,
educational level and geographic location.
It includes abandonment, financial abuse,
isolation, false imprisonment, mental
suffering, neglect, and physical abuse.
It is estimated that one in seven seniors
suffer from some type of abuse, often at the
hands of family members. Self-neglect is
also a type of abuse.
Why is Elder Abuse so under-reported?
Elder abuse victims often live in silent
desperation, unwilling to seek assistance
because they unfortunately believe their
cries for help will go unanswered and they
fear retaliation from their abusers. Many
remain silent to protect abusive family
members from the legal consequences
of their crimes, or are too embarrassed to
admit they have fallen victim to predators.
Others fear that no one will believe them
– chalking up their allegations to the effects
of old age. Thus many cases of abuse go
unreported. It may take the courage of a
caring family member, friend or caretaker
to take action when the victim may be
reluctant.
What are the warning signs of abuse?
There are physical signs such as unexplained bruises and welts,
malnourishment or dehydration, unkempt
appearance, poor hygiene, injuries that are
incompatible with explanations. There are
behavior signs such as being withdrawn, depressed, angry, frightened, or secretive.
Isolation is a major tool used by an abuser,
restricting the elder’s contact with family,
visitors, clergy, doctors, and friends.
Ultimately the senior becomes a pawn,
completely dependent on the abuser, and
manipulated into trusting only the abuser.
How to report Elder Abuse
When in doubt, always report abuse. You
can contact local law enforcement or Adult
Protective Services (530–642-4800) or
Senior Legal Services (530-621-6154). If
the senior is in a nursing home, contact the
local Ombudsman (Reports are confidential
and the reporting person is protected from
both civil and criminal liability. All caregivers
are mandated reporters, as are physicians,
police officers, clergy, nursing home staff
and banks. If your elderly loved one lives
in a different community, you can call law
enforcement in that community and ask for
a “wellness check”.
Education to Protect Yourself and
Others
Senior Legal Services is holding a seminar
at the Placerville Senior Center Dining
Room on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, from 1pm – 2 pm. entitled “Identifying and Preventing Elder Abuse”. Call 621-6154 for more information.